Interview with Phil Bozeman of Whitechapel

Whitechapel released arguably their most diverse and metal-rooted album to date last year, which led to tours alongside Slipknot, Slayer, and Hatebreed. The album features fast and brooding melodies (“(Cult)uralist” and “Dead Silence”) and standout canorous piano and clean guitar moments (“Make It Bleed” and “Possibilities of an Impossible Existence”). The band contributes new and improved dark tones, chugging riffs, and driving rhythms — channeling their death metal and extreme metal idols, from Slipknot and Meshuggah to Behemoth and Rammstein. Lead vocalist Phil Bozeman produces his most brutal vocals and personal lyrics thus far, and new drummer Ben Harclerode delivers a technically flawless performance. In the new year, these Tennessee natives are back to headlining with Emmure before they gear up to write a new record.

Bozeman sat down with us before their show at the Oakland Metro in Oakland, CA to discuss the meaning behind some of the tracks on ‘Whitechapel,’ their plans for the new year, and his favorite scary movies. Keep an eye out for the re-release of ‘The Somatic Defilement,’ out on Metal Blade Records later this year!